Garrett County Health Department Cancer Screening Program Launches Lung Cancer Screening Services!

By Autumn Friend, RN, BSN, FNE-A, Cancer Screening Program Nurse Coordinator

The Garrett County Health Department Cancer Screening Program has expanded to include lung cancer screenings as part of its free screening program! A lung cancer screening is a test used to detect lung cancer early, before symptoms appear. It aims to identify lung cancer at a stage when it is more treatable and has a higher chance of survival.

Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is the most common type of lung cancer screening. It uses a low dose of radiation to create a detailed image of the lungs. 

According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), lung cancer screening is recommended for adults aged 50-80 who meet the following criteria:

• Current or former smoker with a history of at least 20 pack-years of smoking (one pack-year equals smoking one pack of cigarettes per day for one year) 
• Have not had lung cancer in the past 5 years 

“I am so pleased that our partnership with MDH is allowing us to expand our cancer screenings to include lung cancer,” said Jennifer Hare, Garrett County Health Officer. “This isn’t just a health initiative—it’s a commitment to access to care, early detection, and giving every individual the chance to breathe easier and live longer.”

If you would like to learn more or discuss your risk and options for screening, please call 301-334-7770 to speak with Autumn Friend or Jessica Carey at the Garrett County Health Department Cancer Screening Program. This program can provide screening to eligible community members at no cost.

Cutline: Pictured above are Autumn Friend, Cancer Screening Program Nurse Coordinator, and Jessica Carey, Director of the Personal Health Unit, at the Garrett County Health Department.